After graduating from ITB, Chernet will introduce Entrepreneurial University to Ethiopia.

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – At the Bandung Institute of Technology's Third Graduation Ceremony for the 2018/2019 Academic Year, ITB inaugurated 21 international students, including Chernet Gebayew Legesse from Ethiopia. Chernet was a student on a scholarship program organized through a collaboration between the Indonesian and Ethiopian governments.

Chernet previously completed his undergraduate program at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. He continued his master's degree at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) as a Postgraduate Informatics Engineering student. He is very grateful for the opportunity to study at ITB. He found the curriculum and atmosphere at ITB to be very different from those in Ethiopia.

"ITB truly teaches the principles of entrepreneurship in every lesson. I think this is something that doesn't exist in Ethiopia, and it should be, especially for the Informatics Engineering study program," he explained. Therefore, upon returning to his home country, he will share the university's entrepreneurial insights.

During his studies at ITB, Chernet lived in the dormitory. Chernet told an ITB Public Relations reporter that he greatly admired the learning process and academic environment at ITB, especially the tenacity of the students who studied while working. This was something new for him.

"Many of my fellow students are studying while working, and I can't believe their records are still complete and their grades are still good, it's extraordinary," he said.

Furthermore, he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to study in Indonesia. For him, the opportunity to study abroad is an opportunity for cultural exchange and insight, not just academics.

Chernet himself has taught at universities in Ethiopia. While in Indonesia, he always tries to explore the positive aspects of Indonesian culture, such as respect for lecturers.

Chernet often forgets he's in Indonesia. He says Bandung's weather reminds him of his hometown. He also feels warm and welcoming since arriving in Indonesia. "Indonesians are friendly, always smiling, and always willing to help," Chernet said.

This culture, he believes, must be maintained. "Ethiopia is also a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country; we live side by side and very peacefully. I'm sure Indonesia is like that too," Chernet said. He believes that this peace is priceless and must be preserved. Chernet hopes that Indonesia and Ethiopia can continue to collaborate in the field of education.

Reporter: Ferio Brahmana (Engineering Physics 2017)